Volleyball is a high-intensity sport that requires players to run quickly across the court as well as to jump to make a serve, block, hit or pass the ball. If you are playing volleyball for fun, you may be fine with regular tennis shoes. If you are playing for a competitive team, volleyball shoes may be a better match.
Lightweight Design
Although volleyball and tennis shoes may look the same, volleyball shoes are made of lighter material, such as nylon, synthetic leather and mesh, so that it feels as if you are playing without shoes on. The lighter material may be found on the uppers, or the top part of the shoe. Volleyball soles may be made of lightweight materials as well. A lightweight shoe is important because volleyball players need to be light on their feet and not tire quickly. Volleyball shoes are designed to support movements in all different directions, including jumping left to right and other lateral movements.
Midsole
The midsole is the part of the shoe that supports the balls of your feet. Since volleyball players spend a great deal of their time on the balls of their feet, volleyball shoes may feature shock-absorbing materials, such as gel, air and foam, that help reduce the risk of injury as well as protect the foot. Regular tennis shoes may not feature these materials. It is also important that the midsole of volleyball shoes be durable and lightweight. Common materials used for the midsole of a volleyball shoe include phylon, polyurethane, phylite and ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA.
Outsole
The outsole is the part of the shoe that makes contact with the court. One difference between volleyball and tennis shoes is that they must provide excellent traction in order to prevent players from losing their footing. According to the 2009 to 2011 USA Indoor Volleyball Domestic Competition Regulations, players must wear shoes that feature rubber or composite soles. Commonly used materials for the outsole of volleyball shoes include solid, carbon and gum rubber. Solid and gum rubber is commonly used. Carbon rubber tends to leave black marks on the court.
Heel and Ankle Support
Volleyball requires players to jump around a lot, which may cause injury to the ankles, joints, muscles and bones. As a result, the heel of a volleyball shoe must be able to absorb the impact and shock of up to eight times the player's body weight. Volleyball shoes may also feature higher-cut sides that help protect the ankle.
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